Going in a week from today

I'm starting to freak out a bit. I'm not nervous about the surgery itself. I had a breast reduction 3 years ago and had over 150 staples holding my new boobs together. I think I can deal with the pain.
The reason I'm having it is I'm 41. I have had fibroid removal, 2 D&Cs and a thermal ablation. This is my last resort. I didn't really have a huge discussion with my doctor about all the details. He told me small abdominal incision, leaving the ovaries, 3 days in hospital. That was pretty much the extent of the conversation.
The thing that is concerning me the most is removal of the cervix. I'm single. I'm worried that without the cervix, I will feel like my partner is having sex with a transexual! Not for me, but for them
Can anyone give me some imput?

Hi swf36d and

We're happy you joined the Hystersisters community! There is a ton of solid information on the site and the members have unlimited cyber-hugs to share with you at every stage of your journey to good health.

The cervix is not a separate organ, it's just the lower part of the uterus. Most women report that their partners cannot tell the difference if they have a cervix or not. This is not something that I would worry about if I were you.

A fairly recent scientific study shows that hysterectomy patients who have their cervix removed are no more likely to experience sexual difficulties or urinary or bowel problems after surgery than women who have only their uterus removed. You can read more about it here:

Total Versus Sub-Total Hysterectomy

I had a total abdominal hysterectomy which means my cervix was removed. Prior to having my hysterectomy, while going about my daily routine of life, I never was “aware” of my cervix, just as I am unaware of other internal organs. So losing my cervix hasn’t made any difference to me. (Except that I never need to have annual PAP smears, which is a relief since that's not an activity I ever enjoyed.)

Others, who retained their cervix, claim that keeping it has been a benefit to them. However, since they have never experienced life without a cervix, they have nothing with which to compare it. Perhaps they would also be pleased with their surgical results if their cervix had been removed.

I am sending positive thoughts your way for a successful surgery and uneventful recovery!

It sounds like you've been through a lot already. I hope the hysterectomy improves things for you. My biggest pre-op worry was also about sex, in terms of my own response. The cervix has never been part of my sexual awareness, either, but I was worried. Although we haven't done the deed yet post-op, we did learn that everything does what I want it to, even though I don't have my cervix.

I can honestly say that neither I nor my DH have felt any difference during sex. If anything it is better for me because I can now relax and not have to worry about pain and cramping. I am not missing the cervix at all.

Good luck and all the very best for your surgery and healthy recovery.